Freek studied Marine Biology at the University of Groningen with a minor in behaviour and neuroscience.  After his graduation in 2012 he started his carreer as a researcher and project manager R&D seaweed cultivation and breeding at Hortimare. He was involved in European projects for optimisation of seaweed biomass production and bio-refinery. Furthermore he gained experience with developing and testing biofilters used for the treatment and removal of waste products like heavy metals. Freek likes to look at problems from a scientific perspective. Subsequently he translates scientific research into practical solutions. His co-workers describe him as a pleasant colleague with a good sense of humour, who is not afraid of new challenges.

In his spare time he likes to work with his hands, ranging from leather crafting to building and maintaining motorcycles.